Vietnam is not alone in a festering territorial dispute with China. In the near future Indian warships will arrive into the South China Sea. This is a group of destroyers CMD (controlled missile defense).

But there is more to it: at the end of June there were reports from New Delhi that the Indian Navy intends to settle in the South China Sea for a long time. The Indian side is expected to establish a permanent military presence there.

According to the official government version of India, this will help the Navy of India to play a more prominent role in South-East Asia where strategic shipping lines are located.

By doing this, India, as one of the major competitors of China in the region, intends to prevent the far-reaching plans of China to expand its sphere of influence. It is no secret that China intends to establish full control over all the islands in the South China Sea.

At the moment, it controls the Paracel Islands seized in 1974 from South Vietnam, as well as a smaller part of the Spratly archipelago. The severity of the dispute is explained not only by the importance of shipping lanes from the Pacific into the Indian Ocean, but also the wealth of biological resources of the South China Sea and, most importantly, large deposits of hydrocarbons on the shelf.

In particular, the Vietnamese side provides the entry for the Indian warships and naval bases in Nhatraneg and Halong Bay. In addition, India offers aid to Vietnam to increase its naval power by building ships and training of Vietnamese sailors.

Hanoi is not able to withstand the Chinese pressure at sea. This is clearly demonstrated by the events of 1988 when the Chinese were able to capture the Spratly archipelago and win a landslide victory in the clash with Vietnamese Navy.

Since then, the gap between the Chinese and the Vietnamese Navy has increased many times not in favor of the latter. Several years ago, Vietnam's leadership took steps to reduce it. In particular, they purchased six diesel submarines from Russia. Nevertheless, their presence could not stop the Chinese who have much more powerful navy.

In the last six months, they have been actively demonstrating their muscles not only to the Vietnamese but also Filipinos who are also claiming a part of the Spratly archipelago. The severity of the territorial dispute has reached such a high level that Manila recently asked Washington to interfere, and tried to develop a united front with Vietnam to cope with the "China threat."

However, the Chinese Navy is decisively superior to the battle fleets of Vietnam and the Philippines combined, and in the event of military conflict the chances of Manila and Hanoi at sea are minimal.

Recently, the likelihood of this scenario has markedly increased. In late May, the tension between China - Vietnam and China - the Philippines has increased dramatically. The parties sent additional Navy forces to the problem areas. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on June 14 issued a decree in this regard on conscription of sailors in the event of further escalation of the conflict with China.

The latter, based on the balance of power, is clearly not afraid and shows determination and full control over the Spratly archipelago. An additional impetus is given by high world prices on hydrocarbons, on the one hand, and the lack of progress in Chinese-Russian negotiations on gas prices, on the other.

However, the establishment of China's full control over the islands of the South China Sea has created enormous problems for the countries of South and Southeast Asia. Even in Indonesia, not to mention Malaysia and the Philippines, there are growing fears that China might use the Spratly as a springboard to leap into the South Seas countries.

As for India, there is another reason why the growing Chinese expansion in the region has caused such a strong opposition. Recently its opponent Pakistan decided to give the Chinese a naval base on its shores. In case of further strengthening of China in the South China Sea, India is risking to be extremely disadvantaged in terms of strategic position.

However, speaking of the commotion caused by the Chinese activity, we should not forget about "the singer behind the scenes." The United States plays a significant role in building the anti-Chinese alliance with India.

Since December of 2007 the influential American officials, including the chief of the CIA, have been paying regular visits to Vietnam. In the face of rising threats from the Chinese, the parties are demonstrating their intent to forget past grievances. This once again emphasizes that despite the anticipated military demonstrations in India the U.S. warships will arrive to the Vietnamese coast in the near future.

They will not limit themselves with "courtesy calls" and will conduct trainings with the Vietnamese Navy. Of course, it has already provoked a nervous reaction in China that urged the U.S. to "not interfere in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea." Yet, this outcry is unlikely to scare the Americans who will be increasing their activity in the region as China's activities are enhancing. Otherwise they will lose the strategically important in terms of geopolitics territory to the Chinese.

Well well well!!! Indian navy heading towards a foreign station. Good. What we need is to push some military sales to Vietnam. Esp LCAs and Arjun Tanks to them at even cost price sales. Will give them some much required weapons and us some real war test of our weapons systems. Some thing is going to happen in Vietnam for sure in the future vis a vis China.

Well well well!!! Indian navy heading towards a foreign station. Good. What we need is to push some military sales to Vietnam. Esp LCAs and Arjun Tanks to them at even cost price sales. Will give them some much required weapons and us some real war test of our weapons systems. Some thing is going to happen in Vietnam for sure in the future vis a vis China.

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So the great game has already started. I am getting a feeling that an overconfident China will shoot in it's own foot some day, and that some day is not too far. This is the problem with all totalitarian regimes, they think that they can lasso the moon.

LOL! Forget about protecting Vietnam.When are we going to protect ourselves from China? Maybe people forgot the incidents of Chinese incursions in Ladhak,Sikkim and Arunachal. Not to mention intimidation of our Shepherds in Ladhak, reports of firing in sikkim at the border etc.

I think more than overall support, Vietnam needs materials assistance. We need to supply them with frigates, assault vessels and destroyers armed with BrahMos. Vietnamese being Russian buddies, I don't think NPOM would mind selling the missiles to them at all. This principle is applicable for Arjuns and Tejas as well.

We must know that Vietnamese are fierce fighters. They just need material and weapons to fight and they've proven their ferocity way back in 60s and 70s and that too against a superpower and another regional power. So? Get them some good strategic weapons! Simple as that.

LOL! Forget about protecting Vietnam.When are we going to protect ourselves from China? Maybe people forgot the incidents of Chinese incursions in Ladhak,Sikkim and Arunachal. Not to mention intimidation of our Shepherds in Ladhak, reports of firing in sikkim at the border etc.

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Agreed. This government is the root cause of this problem. They're cowards and corrupt sell outs. First objective of we Indians should be to kick out UPA from this government at least for the next two terms. Then we can naturally protect ourselves.

Agreed. This government is the root cause of this problem. They're cowards and corrupt sell outs. First objective of we Indians should be to kick out UPA from this government at least for the next two terms. Then we can naturally protect ourselves.

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Who will then form the government then? BJP? they don't enjoy the support of the public as when their was ABV. Making a mili-juli sarkar without the Congress seems hard and difficult task with high risk of instability which is definitely a no no for the nation. Maybe things can change till next election but taking it as current affairs, for today I would like the congress be in power......OT anyways.

Who will then form the government then? BJP? they don't enjoy the support of the public as when their was ABV. Making a mili-juli sarkar without the Congress seems hard and difficult task with high risk of instability which is definitely a no no for the nation. Maybe things can change till next election but taking it as current affairs, for today I would like the congress be in power......OT anyways.

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So you would prefer continued swindling of the country instead of a lesser devil? Well that's your opinion. I prefer NDA far better.

Tshering, mate I will just tell you one thing, all those who join politics have only one agenda. To make money. No one is a lesser evil. All are the same. BJP in Karnataka is an example. Ultimately, there is no ideology. It's only choosing a convenient platform to enter politics and one that you think will help you win elections.

I have no doubt in my mind that if the NDA was in power right now in Delhi, it would have done exactly the same as what the UPA is doing. You will get to know if they come to power next time around.

LOL! Forget about protecting Vietnam.When are we going to protect ourselves from China? Maybe people forgot the incidents of Chinese incursions in Ladhak,Sikkim and Arunachal. Not to mention intimidation of our Shepherds in Ladhak, reports of firing in sikkim at the border etc.

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This is part of the an old strategy used for centuries and currently favored by China. Mess up your neighbors house and your house will be safe.

What a joke. India can barely protect herself, let alone protect Vietnam. Vietnam doesn't need India and US protection, at least for now. They are smart people: They know too much involvement of US means orange reveolution in their country. Regarding India, two points: 1. Can India afford and have will to rent a base in Vietnam? assuming Vietnam will allow Indian Navy to reside there permanently. 2. What's the point to let India protect them, when they have better choice like SEAU, Japan, and US willing to help?

Vietnam and China's relationship is complicated. It's not enemy. India seems still not get it.

What a joke. India can barely protect herself, let alone protect Vietnam. Vietnam doesn't need India and US protection, at least for now. They are smart people: They know too much involvement of US means orange reveolution in their country.

Regarding India, two points: 1. Can India afford and have will to rent a base in Vietnam? assuming Vietnam will allow Indian Navy to reside there permanently. 2. What's the point to let India protect them, when they have better choice like SEAU, Japan, and US willing to help?

Vietnam and China's relationship is complicated. It's not enemy. India seems still not get it.

What a joke. India can barely protect herself, let alone protect Vietnam. Vietnam doesn't need India and US protection, at least for now. They are smart people: They know too much involvement of US means orange reveolution in their country. Regarding India, two points: 1. Can India afford and have will to rent a base in Vietnam? assuming Vietnam will allow Indian Navy to reside there permanently. 2. What's the point to let India protect them, when they have better choice like SEAU, Japan, and US willing to help?

Vietnam and China's relationship is complicated. It's not enemy. India seems still not get it.

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When god was distributing IQ god gave it all to the CCP members of China, leaving nothing for Indians. Is that what this comment suggests? If so lemme correct you, here we are not talking India of 60s, we are talking about India which is willing to protect her interests in this region and beyond.

Back to the topic, its good for us that China-Vietnam relation is complicated, we can extract something out of it. And just for your information India is quite capable of protecting herself, and that's why Sikkim and Arunachal are still Indian states and not being ruled by those communist maniacs sitting in Beijing.

If Vietnam offers a port/base to India that will be enough it will give India an excellent strategic location. USA wants India to play a more active role in East Asia. How much investment is needed cost of one warplane but the returns are great?? And training and gifting weapons is also not so expensive. With USA,Russia,Japan there we are in good company.

India should protect her border from terrorist invasion, worry about her people and economy before actively participate in so called "leadership" by Hillary Clinton. Indian doesn't understand East Asian countries relationship quite well. The right approach is to stay away from fire before wasting money and man power.

Indian warship INS Airavat docked at the central region's military port in Nha Trang Tuesday, starting a ten-day visit to Vietnam.

The captain and crew of the aircraft carrier will meet with leaders of Khanh Hoa Province government and offer flowers at the statute of Tran Hung Dao, the Supreme Commander who led Vietnam to victory in the Battle of Bach Dang in 1288 over the naval fleet of China's Yuan Dynasty, the Tien Phong said in a report Wednesday.

They will also join in friendly sports matches with Vietnamese naval officers and soldiers based in Khanh Hoa.

INS Airavat started her sea trials in July 2008 and was commissioned in May 2009. The 5,650 ton vessel carries 206 officers and soldiers.

It will head to the northern port city of Hai Phong on Friday, the report said.

The visit is part of exchange activities between the Vietnamese and Indian Naval forces, which aims to strengthen the long-standing ties of friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, it said.

In May 2011, Indian destroyer INS Delhi and the missile escort vessel INS Kirch docked at the Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City for a friendly visit.